Watching Henry walk across the stage to accept his Miriam High School diploma, one would never guess that just 18 months ago, he was facing a constant uphill battle at school - a fight he felt destined to lose. Today, Henry isn’t just a graduate - he is a future archaeologist following his path to St. Louis Community College with a newfound sense of self-assurance.

Henry’s story of transformation was just one of 12 celebrated during a unique, heartfelt, and deeply personal graduation ceremony. For the Miriam community, this evening was more than a formal rite of passage - it was a testament to the fact that when students feel safe and understood, their potential is limitless.

Voices of the Graduates
The evening highlighted student voices, as we heard brief reflections from four speakers who shared what their time at Miriam meant to them. 

Colin talked about how he and his fellow graduates kept going even when the work was tough. They worked together, learning about themselves and one another along the way.

“Looking back at our time here at Miriam, I think about how much it took just to get to this stage,” Colin said. “Graduation isn’t just a celebration - it’s proof that we are strong.”

Caitlyn shared how much she appreciated being in an environment where she could truly be herself. “Miriam has given us a place where we do not have to worry about masking and instead focus on learning,” she said. “It’s a place we don’t have to worry about our disabilities, where we can be ourselves.”

She continued, “Tonight, a new generation of some of the most creative, funny, curious and chaotic people start our own journeys - but we will not forget those who have helped us along the way.”

Diverse Paths to Success
While the 12 graduates shared a common home at Miriam, their next chapters are as unique as their individual strengths. Every single member of the Class of 2026 walked across that stage with a concrete plan for the future:

• Two graduates have enrolled in four-year colleges.
• Five graduates plan to attend two-year colleges.
• Three graduates will participate in Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTP) or other supportive post-secondary programs.
• Two graduates will enter the workforce.

As students move along these paths, they are not only looking forward to the future, but acknowledging how Miriam has helped them reach this point. Michael said Miriam re-ignited his passion to find himself.

“(Miriam is) not just a school just about learning, it’s about purpose,” Michael said. “It’s about discovering who you are, what you care about, and what kind of life you want to build. This school didn’t just give me an education. It gave me direction.”

The Miriam Family
Miriam often becomes a second home for families. That sentiment was felt throughout the room as teachers, parents, and friends cheered for a group of young adults who have conquered academic hurdles, gained vital executive functioning skills, and - most importantly - learned to believe in themselves.

Teachers presented “character awards” to each graduate, awards as unique as the individuals who earned them. For instance, Eliza received the “Titan of Joy” award recognizing the kindness and genuine joy she carried with her throughout high school.

Jack received the “Mission Accomplished” award for what Donna Higgins calls his “workfirst, play later” attitude with which he approached each day. “Beyond your work ethic, your kindness and consistency stand out just as much,” Mrs. Higgins said. “You never miss a ‘goodbye’ on your way out the door, always leaving the room a little brighter than you found it.”

Whether they are heading off to study the ancient past like Henry or stepping directly into the professional world, the Class of 2026 leaves Miriam as confident citizens of the world. We couldn't be prouder of where they’ve been, and we can’t wait to see where they go next.

Principal Vicki Thurman told the graduates, “While you were students here at Miriam, you were also OUR teachers. You taught us that there isn’t just one ‘right’ way to see the world. You showed us how to be patient, how to find humor in the small things, and what it looks like to be truly authentic.”

She ended the evening by addressing each graduate to tell them and the audience what unique mark they have left on Miriam, and then leaving them with some words of wisdom that are sure to stay with them as they navigate their next chapter in life. 

“Over the last four years, we’ve walked through your missteps with you. I hope you’ve learned that mistakes aren’t detours - they are the path. They’re how you learn to bounce back stronger.”

Letting them know they will always have a home here at Miriam, she encouraged the Class of 2026 to “go make some beautiful mistakes and share your gifts with the world.”